LITTLE Ethan Forester, 4, was one of the thousands getting ready to celebrate November 5.

He braved the rain and managed to collect just over two pounds outside his home in Prenton.

This year looks to have spectacular displays with about 50,000 people expected at Liverpool's Kings Dock to watch fireworks set off to pop and rock music from a barge in the Mersey.

Another 30,000 are anticipated in Liverpool's Sefton and Walton Hall parks.

A total of #25,000 has been spent by Liverpool council on 16,000 individual fireworks.

Merseyside Fire Brigade are advising people to go to an organised event rather than have their own firework party.

Assistant divisional fire officer Alex MacDougall said: "The fire service would say that anybody looking at attending a bonfire should go to one of the specially organised events that will be attended by the fire brigade.

"We would be happy if these were the only bonfire or firework parties that took place."

Safety with fireworks has been highlighted after a gang destroyed a phone box in Arkles Lane, Anfield on Sunday night.

A high powered firework was lit inside the payphone at 8.30pm near the junction of Anfield Road.

Police said that the explosion could have easily hurt someone if they had been nearby.